It was a good year for The Health Foundation and a good year for the foundation, means a good year for the entire region.
Much was accomplished in 2011 says Ross Fisher, Executive Director of the foundation with many in the community stepping up in support of local health care initiatives and the foundation set for a "healthy" coming year.
"There are a couple of big highlights from 2011," said Fisher in a recent year end interview with The News Review. "Anytime we're able to get new services we consider that a success and that's really what we're always trying to do. We started four new programs this year and these are all things that people no longer have to travel for."
Among the items making the list of new services are the following:
$250,000 in new Equipment for the surgical program. Several key pieces of equipment required for surgery, including: an anesthetic machine, a ligasure device, and hand tools for cataract surgery were purchased says Fisher.
"This program did two main things: first, we bought an anesthetic machine and the government did also, so that extends the donation dollars people give and it allowed us to complete an upgrade and get rid of all the older anesthetic machines.
"Having new and current equipment makes a better work environment for our doctors and nurses."
Secondly, adds Fisher, the hand tools for cataract surgery allowed for the increase in the number of cataract surgeries normally done by Sunrise Health Region.
"This is the second year in a row Sunrise has been able to negotiate this agreement with the government which allows close to an additional 400 cataract to be done in the year. This brings our wait times way down. We raise the funds to purchase the equipment to allow the increase in cataract surgeries and the government pays for the extra staff time and the procedures."
Patient Controlled Pain Management Pumps (New Service) were purchased for $38,000.
The Charity Golf Classic annually raises $100,000 per year. "Most of these funds are spent in the facilities outside of Yorkton. The Health Foundation likes to make sure we support all of the healthcare facilities in the Sunrise Health region. Generally the items purchased are for the care and comfort of patients; items like: patient lifts, medication pumps, Broda chairs, or blanket and towel warmers."
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (new Service) $25,000.
Finished the Stroke Rehabilitation program (new service) $30,000.
Upgrade of Dialysis Program - Bought new Dialysis Chairs and minor equipment $31,000. "We raised $31,000 and were able to access $15,000 in provincial money to complete the upgrade."
Lymphodema Vests (new service) $6,500 - New Treatment that many breast cancer survivors had to go to Regina for. This initiative is necessitated because radiation therapy often destroys lymph glands and that can cause fluid to build up and that fluid needs to be drained says Fisher.
"Many Breast cancer survivors need to go to Regina two or three times a week for the treatment. We have ordered the equipment and the program will be in place for the New Year."
People have been very generous in 2011," he adds. Both businesses and individuals continue to step forward and because of that Fisher says, "We managed to do most of what we hoped to do this year, and that's only happens because people decide to support the projects we undertake.
"There have been several new services added to our health region this that are only there because of the generous support of businesses, individuals and service clubs who made donations to help us buy new equipment."
In addition to new equipment, the foundation also saw the $25,000 in Education and Scholarships being awarded to local health care professionals.
And this is all while funds are being raised for a main campaign. With dollars still coming in, at least $212,000 has been raised for a conceptual plan for the building of a new regional hospital.
"This has been going very well... we're getting very close. We want to have 100 businesses participate in this plan (and as of last week) we have have 91 committed and I'm pretty confident we'll get to 100. When we reach that, we'll have enough for the plan. We're on schedule for Sunrise to be submitting a report to the government about the last week of January, first week of February."
And that, adds Fisher, will begin a long conversation in terms of the services Yorkton wishes to provide into the future. It's a dialogue that The Health Foundation intends to play a large role in.
With all of the fundraising undertaken and money being spent in this region, the bulk goes back to the cause. The local health foundation prides itself on being known for its efficiency says Fisher. "We keep our operating costs low... I think this year we were at 10.3 per cent - which is very efficient and actually twice as efficient as Revenue Canada guidelines...
"We like to see as much as possible of the contributions going directly to medical equipment."
Next year will be no different he says, adding residents can expect the same for 2012.
Also the same for next year will be the need for public support. There are many ways businesses and individuals can get involved in supporting The Health Foundation whether that be by attending an event, volunteering or giving money.
"We can't do what we do without people volunteering or making contributions... We're a small office. We have two full time people and a couple of part time people. Some of the projects we work on have dozens and dozens of volunteers..."
From the annual Gala, to the Golf tournament, to the road race and even the manning of the hospital gift shop, there are many initiatives that are reliant on volunteers.
"Our area is growing. We can all see that and we need to be able to provide the services for a growing population. It's common sense... It's about ensuring we plan effectively and do this as well as we can...," concludes Fisher.
"People are responding well... a good year for us, is a good year for everyone in the area and we only get to have a good year because people are generous..."
To learn more or to get involved visit: www.healthfoundation.ca or call The Health Foundation at 786-0506.
